Union naval officer (1839–1884) who served as executive officer on USS Monitor during its historic five-hour battle with ironclad CSS Virginia, and assumed command after Captain John Lorimer Worden was wounded. He served as executive officer on the USS Monitor in the engagements on the James River, Virginia, from April to May 1862. He committed suicide in 1884. Rare and important war-dated ALS signed “Dana,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, May 4, 1862. Letter written while on board the Monitor to his father. In full: “I received your letter, written just before you went to Charlestown. George & Susie made me a visit on Friday last, and I enjoyed it very much. It was a beautiful day, and we had a very nice time. I am rejoiced my Dear father to hear of your appointment of Brig. General, and am very anxious to hear where you are to be ordered. Please write me as soon as you receive orders. Yorktown has been evacuated by the Rebels and McClellan is pursuing them in hot haste, with his light artillery and Cavalry. We have nothing definite about it. Various conflicting rumors, concerning the affair are afloat, but nothing reliable. The Merrimack made her appearance this afternoon, but did not venture below Crany Island. She was apparently on a pleasure trip, as we thought we could discover several ladies on board with our glasses. We expect her down every pleasant day, but she appears to have a wholsome [sic] fear of us. We remain just the same as when you were here; our pilot house has been completed, and we think our craft invulnerable at every point. I received a letter from Mother last week. They were all very well and impatiently waiting the return of George & Susie. Col. W. R. Lee has joined his regiment, but has not yet been off. Capt. Worden is able to see from both of his eyes, and will probably be able to leave for New York in a week. I am very glad to hear of his recovery. Capt. Fox, Asst. Sect. of the Navy visited us today, with several people from Washington. I have believe I have told you all the news. Write often.” On the last page of the letter is a January 5, 1890 manuscript presentation signed by George Sears Greene to an unknown (indecipherable) recipient. "Presented to…5 Jny 1890 By Geo S Greene Major General Vols." Intersecting folds, a few creases, a uniform shade of toning, pencil notation to top, and some scattered light soiling, otherwise fine condition.
Samuel Dana Greene is nonexistent on the market. Jim Hayes, in his book on autographs of the Union Navy makes no mention of it. Though S. D. Greene's history as Executive officer (at age 22) of the Monitor from launch to sinking is well documented, there is no reference to a signature or any other form of autograph of his anywhere except for his detailed letter to his mother of the affray with the Virginia (Monitor) at the US Naval Museum. The context and content of this manuscript, having been written aboard the USS Monitor less than two months after the first engagement of iron clad Naval vessels, at the site of the battle, make it a rare and important Civil War treasure. This letter is the only other holograph that has been found. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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